Feedback: Straight to the stars on a heterosexual space ark

On your arks

PREVIOUSLY, Feedback pondered the seaworthiness of a replica ark under construction in Kentucky (4 June). Now Republican congressman Louie Gohmert invites us to consider a hypothetical situation (and we hope it is hypothetical): that an Earth-killing meteorite is bearing down on us, necessitating a spacefaring ark.

In a rambling speech that covered transgender issues and gay marriage, the Texan representative encouraged members of Congress to think carefully about who they might install in such a spaceship. “If you could decide what 40 people you put on the spacecraft that would save humanity, how many of those would be same-sex couples?” he inquired.

Yes, it seems there’s no space in space for gay interplanetary colonists. Given the option of boarding a exclusively heterosexual lifeboat to the stars, Feedback thinks that we would much rather stay put on Earth with the same-sex couples and meteorites.

“More odd smells: Claude Castonguay reports that though delicious, the cranberry-like pimbina must be stewed outdoors as “while cooking, the berries give off an unbearable dirty feet stench”.“

Genetic markers

ELSEWHERE in the US, ballot initiatives have been launched to push for mandatory labelling of genetically modified food, often justified by way of public opinion. But that’s not all Americans are worried about.

A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal found that not only did 84 per cent of respondents support mandatory labelling of GM foods, but 80 per cent also thought any food containing DNA should be similarly labelled.

However, only a minority of those questioned thought these issues should be decided by public sentiment, and ...

Create an account

Create an account for free access to:

A selection of articles hand-picked by the editors available only to account holders

The email newsletter delivering the top things you need to know to your inbox every week

Event updates, special offers and competitions

Step 1 - Fill in your details

ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED

First Name

Last Name

Country

Email

PasswordYour password must be at least six characters long.

Confirm password

Once you are registered, New Scientist will send you our weekly newsletter, as well as occasional relevant information via email from New Scientist about our content, services, products, events, offers and competitions. Please read our Privacy policy.

In addition, from time to time we work with carefully selected partners to offer news, offers and information that may be relevant to you. We take your privacy seriously and will always give you the chance to opt out of specific types of email.

Step 1

Fill in your details

2

Step 2

Verify your email address

3

Step 3

Registration complete

Why join?

With a free New Scientist account you'll enjoy increased access to New Scientist content and ideas.

Every week the editors release a selection of articles to New Scientist account holders. These articles are available exclusively to logged in account holders and subscribers. The editors selection can range from new features, opinions and interviews to fascinating content from the New Scientist archive.

You'll also receive the latest news and top stories in your inbox every week with the New Scientist email newsletter.

Get more from New Scientist. To create your free account, simply complete this quick form.